How Not to Dress Like Johnny Depp (or Thor) This Summer

One of the things we look for in our actors is a guiding light — the ability not just to dazzle onscreen but to blaze a path, stylishly or otherwise, when they're walking the red carpet, or appearing on talk shows, or, you know, taking the kids to the grocery store. It's what makes paparazzi photos tolerable for men: you can at least hope there's something to learn there.

Guys like Johnny Depp, as we've known for years, and Chris Hemsworth, as we found in our pages a few months ago (and as America discovered this weekend), have that kind of appeal. But before you get too inspired by their wardrobe choices in public over the weekend (Depp at the fifth Pirates premiere, Hemsworth on Kimmel), a word to the wise: avoid the black shirt.

For whatever reason, the black shirt has become something of a staple for men in the limelight. Which is fine, except that it just gets lost in translation when attempted by civilians — somewhere in the waiter zone. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but let's just say (once again) that the creations of Johnny Depp are best left in experienced hands.

So if you want an alternative option to white or blue this summer, consider the gray dress shirt. Not only does it look cool, but it'll go with all your suits: charcoal, navy, and black — a black suit, that is.

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